The journey so far...

Well, the very beginning of our journey...moving from adoption being a "someday" thing to a "now" thing...is explained in our Adoption Announcement letter. Check it out if you don't know the story.

Since that time, we've researched countries to adopt from, placing agencies and what countries they work in, and the process of adoption. The process usually runs as follows: pick a country to adopt from, then an agency to work with. Apply to that agency. If accepted, sign a contract. Begin your home study ( a report by a social worker that includes interviews, a home visit, health statements, financial statements, background checks, autobiographical statements, and references). File proper paperwork for Immigration clearance. Compile and authenticate all paperwork for your dossier (paperwork required by the governement of the country you're adopting from). Wait, and wait some more for a referral (the name and description of an adoptable child). Accept the referral. Wait, and wait some more for the foreign government to process all the necessary paperwork. Travel to the country to pick up your child. Finally, bring your child home!!!

We had it narrowed down to 3 countries between 2 agencies. We decided to move forward with an adoption from El Salvador. We were ready to apply when we found out that a previous social worker (who no longer works at that agency) gave us incorrect information, and the agency was not willing to work with us because of our income. That was a hard blow.

So we began talking with the 2nd agency about Guatemala and Vietnam. They are willing to work with us. But they strongly suggested we have all our money up front. Ouch. We thought we'd have 1 1/2 - 2 years to raise all the money. But that is now not the case. As we talked further, they suggested we do our home study first since we don't own a home to make sure we pass the financial viability piece. Ok...another backwards step! We began researching home study agencies in our area. After talking to a very helpful home study social worker, she figured we'd pass the home study, but suggested we should do our Immigration clearance first to make sure we pass that.

So, we have chucked everything we've learned out the window and are starting over. We need to raise all of the money up front before we can even begin to take a step forward. Then we need to complete a home study so that we can send it off to Immigration for their clearance. After that's all done, we can sign on with an agency and begin the 14-22 month long journey of completing our dossier, waiting for a referral, and waiting to travel.

I knew we'd need to trust God during this journey, but it has been turned so topsy-turvey that without Him, there is absolutely no way we can do this thing that so burns so deeply in our hearts. But our hearts are hooked. There's no turning back. We have to step out. And so here we are, stepping out...and beginning to raise $30,000.